Delta State University

SEARCY, ARK. – With a lot of effort and determination, coach Asa Atkinson and the Delta State Lady Statesmen Tennis team (11-2, 4-1 GSC) claimed the Gulf South Conference West Division title with a 9-0 blanking of the Lady Bison of Harding University (20-4, 5-1 GSC) Monday at Harding Courts. The victory guarantees the Lady Statesmen the top seed out of the West in the upcoming GSC Tournament. The Statesmen were also victorious on Monday with an 8-1 victory over the Bison. 

“We played with a singular focus today. Our ladies knew what was at stake and really went out and claimed the day. The men really fed off their enthusiasm and turned up the intensity for a key win,” said Atkinson, DSU head coach. 

Katharina Nett got the ball rolling for the Lady Statesmen with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Harding’s Alicia Williams in No. 1 singles. Cecile Benzaki followed suit with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Karina Gomes in No. 2 singles. DSU would close out the remaining singles matches with wins by Milena Araujo, Krystle Ozols, Tatiana Bouchaud, and Paulina Potapova. 

The Lady Statesmen also dominated doubles play with victories in all three matches. 

On the men’s side, Pascal LaPlace’s straight sets win over Harding’s Olzhas Taniyev 6-3, 6-3 pushed the Statesmen ahead in the match. In a thrilling three set match, DSU’s Thiago Marion edged Harding’s Richard Rios 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) to seal the win for DSU. 

Pascal LaPlace and Rafael Weigand teamed up for the win in No. 1 doubles, while Kirill Pervoon and Goulven Tupin claimed the No. 2 doubles match as well. 

The Lady Statesmen close out the regular season Tuesday at Southern Arkansas, while the Statesmen will begin preparations for the upcoming GSC Tournament. Both teams will begin competition in the GSC Tournament on Saturday, April 19.